All dressed up and nowhere to go? Sure, you could spend a few thousand dollars and party with a bunch of strangers in one of NYC’s ultra-posh nightclubs, but why go to all that trouble? New York offers lots of free and low-cost family friendly activities that will help you ring in the New Year on the right note!
Outdoors
Times Square
Subway: 1, 2, 3, N, R, W, S, Q to Times Square/42nd Street
Never been to Times Square to see the ball drop? Well, it’s something everyone should do at least once (probably only once). It’s the world’s biggest party and it is in your own backyard! Millions gather every New Year’s Eve for the confetti, and it is something you will remember for the rest of your life. That said, get there early (no later than 6 or 7 p.m.) and dress warmly (it’s December after all). Tight security means no backpacks or bags or bottles. Once you’re in, don’t plan on getting out, since it will be pretty tough to move. On the bright side, you’re sure to make lots of new friends!
Prospect Park
Subway: Q to Seventh Ave; 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza.
While everyone else is squeezed into the crossroads of the world, enjoy a fun night out at Prospect Park. At midnight there is an awesome fireworks display at Grand Army Plaza presided over by the borough president. The event is family friendly and not nearly as crowded as Times Square.
Harlem Bound
There’s plenty to see and do in Harlem on New Year’s Eve, as well if you want to stay uptown. Minton’s Playhouse (206 West 118th Street) will have a New Year’s Eve fete. A very reasonable $30 will get you a home-cooked meal and champagne, as well as some great music by Dean and the Jazz Masters. If you want to take a trip back in time to when jazz was king, Minton’s is the place to be.
Feel like having fun and supporting your local park? Stop by Fort Tyron Park’s New Leaf Cafe (http://www.nyrp.org/About/New_Leaf_Restaurant_Bar, 212.568.5323 for their New Year’s Eve event. For $99, you get a four-course meal and a champagne toast at midnight, as well as knowing the proceeds go to supporting one of New York’s most unique parks.
Want to ring in the New Year with some praise? Then head to Gospel Uptown (2110 Seventh Avenue at 125th Street, 212.280.2110) and join Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Lalah Hathaway for a great evening out. $100 gets you two drink tickets along with a midnight toast. Chef Kenneth Collins will also be on hand to provide your taste buds will all they could desire.
Staying in the spirit, Riverside Church (490 Riverside Drive, between 120th and 122nd streets) will also be having a concert and midnight service on the 31st. There will be a carillon recital at 10 p.m. and an organ recital at 10:30, followed by an 11 p.m. service in one of Harlem’s most revered churches.
Exercise and Fun
Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd Street
Ready to get fit in 2010? Why not start at midnight? The New York Road Runners Club (http://www.nyrr.org/races/2009/r1231x00.asp) has its annual midnight run on New Year’s Eve in Central Park. There will be dancing and a costume party starting at 10 p.m. at the Central Park Bandshell just south of the 72nd Street entrance. The costume parade and contest is at 11 and the four-mile fun run starts at midnight. Even if you won’t be running, it is a fun and safe night out.
Subway: A, B, C, D, E, F to West 4th Street
The community-based environmental group Time’s Up will be having its under the stars bike ride, which meets up under the arch in Washington Square Park at 10:30 p.m. The event is open to all ages (10 and up for kids riding their own bikes). The route takes you from Washington Square Park up to Belvedere Castle in Central Park. Wear a festive outfit and end 2009 on a healthy note!
Family Time
For those with young kids, you might want to check out “Family Hour” at the Strand (828 Broadway at 12th Street), one of New York’s best bookstores. At 3:30 on Thursday afternoon, the staff of the Strand will read children’s stories from their huge collection of books.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street, 212.316.7490, stjohndivine.org) will hold its annual concert for peace starting at 7 p.m. with free general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. This year’s concert will feature singer-songwriter Judy Collins along with others for a night of music, readings and meditations.
However you choose to bring in the New Year, make sure you stay safe and have a good time!